Greenland police file for union

GREENLAND — Police in town have asked to form a union, and town officials say they cannot comment on the petition.

Karen Dandurant

GREENLAND — Police in town have asked to form a union, and town officials say they cannot comment on the petition.

The petition, to the Public Employees Labor Relations Board, was received last week, filed by Teamsters Local 633 of New Hampshire. It names four full-time officers, four part-time officers, one detective and an administrative assistant as the petitioners.

"There is nothing I can say other than that the document has been received and will be considered by the Board," said Paul Sanderson, vice chairman of the Board of Selectmen. "The procedures for 'certification' are created and administered by the State Public Employee Labor Relations Board in Concord. We will follow the procedures and await a decision from the PELRB."

Sanderson said if town officials comment before a decision has been reached, it could be considered an unfair labor practice.

"Whenever we have a labor issue, we have no ability to make a comment," Sanderson said. "It's there and will be dealt with by the PELRB."

Sanderson didn't know the time frame for a possible decision on whether the department would be granted permission to unionize.

As administrators, Chief Michael Maloney and one sergeant were not included in the petition. Maloney declined to comment Monday, but said he may be able to speak on the issue today.

Town administrator Karen Anderson also said she wasn't going to comment.

The petition indicates that any objections to the petition must be filed within 15 days of the July 24 date that the petition was received by the PELRB.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.

Advertise

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
seacoastonline.com ~ 111 New Hampshire Ave., Portsmouth, NH 03801 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service